SANDUSKY, Ohio — In Erie County, the Moxley Wildlife Area recently expanded 99 acres from a donation by Ducks Unlimited, according to a news release from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. 

The wetland habitat, known as Dinky Marsh, will increase the public wetland complex along Sandusky Bay.

What You Need To Know

  • In Erie County, the Moxley Wildlife Area recently expanded 99 acres from a donation by Ducks Unlimited

  • The wetland habitat, known as Dinky Marsh, will increase the public wetland complex along Sandusky Bay

  • The expanded area provides habitat for bald eagles, waterfowl, wading birds, shorebirds, river otters and muskrats

  • The 99 acres lie between State Route 2 and Barret Road, just west of Moxley Wildlife Area

The 99 acres lie between State Route 2 and Barret Road, just west of Moxley Wildlife Area. The parcel comprises of hemi-marsh, equal parts emergent vegetation and water.

"The Division of Wildlife’s acquisition of Dinky Marsh secures the property as wildlife habitat in perpetuity, a vital step toward restoring and conserving remaining wetlands along Lake Erie," the news release read. "Conservation of this wetland contributes to Governor DeWine’s H2Ohio project goal of improving the state’s water quality through wetland restoration."

The expanded area provides habitat for bald eagles, waterfowl, wading birds, shorebirds, river otters and muskrats. Amphibians, reptiles, insects and fish benefit from wetlands and as a popular stop for migrating fowl, the march will provide access via controlled hunts. 

“Wetlands provide valuable habitat for hundreds of species and are essential filters of excess sediments, nutrients and floodwater,” said Division of Wildlife Chief Kendra Wecker in a news release. “I’m grateful that Ducks Unlimited made it possible to protect Dinky Marsh. The benefits of this and other wetlands extend to water quality, people, and wildlife.”

Moxley Wildlife Area is a 290-acre public property located three miles northwest of Sandusky. The area serves as a barrier to pollutants entering the lake and is the site of an H2Ohio project for a fish passage and water control structure project to allow free water exchange between the marsh and Sandusky Bay. 

Ducks Unlimited is a nonprofit organization that conserves, restores, and manages wetlands for North America’s waterfowl. Ducks Unlimited works closely with individuals, landowners, agencies, the scientific community, and other entities to accomplish their work.

For more information on the H2Ohio initiative, visit h2.ohio.gov.

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